Atomic Orbitals and Periodic Trends

Atomic Orbitals

• Definition: Atomic orbitals are the regions around an atom where an electron is likely to be found.
• Shapes: Atomic orbitals have specific shapes, which can be:
  • Spherical (s-orbitals)
  • Dumbbell-shaped (p-orbitals)
  • Four-leaf clover-shaped (d-orbitals)
  • Complex shapes (f-orbitals)
• Node: A node is a region where the probability of finding an electron is zero.
• Energy Levels: Atomic orbitals are arranged in energy levels, with s-orbitals having the lowest energy and f-orbitals having the highest energy.

Periodic Trends

• Atomic Radius:
  • Decreases from left to right across a period due to increasing nuclear charge.
  • Increases from top to bottom down a group due to increasing number of energy levels.
• Electronegativity:
  • Increases from left to right across a period due to increasing nuclear charge.
  • Decreases from top to bottom down a group due to increasing distance from the nucleus.
• Ionization Energy:
  • Increases from left to right across a period due to increasing nuclear charge.
  • Decreases from top to bottom down a group due to increasing distance from the nucleus.
• Electron Affinity:
  • Increases from left to right across a period due to increasing nuclear charge.
  • Decreases from top to bottom down a group due to increasing distance from the nucleus.

Note: These notes focus on the key concepts and trends related to atomic orbitals and periodic trends, providing a concise and clear overview of the topic.